WILLIAM HILL’S SPORTS BOOK AT DOWNTOWN GRAND BECOMES FIRST SPORTS BOOK IN U.S. TO TAKE WAGERS ON eSPORTS

WILLIAM HILL’S SPORTS BOOK AT DOWNTOWN GRAND BECOMES FIRST SPORTS BOOK IN U.S. TO TAKE WAGERS ON eSPORTS

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA (November 18, 2016) – Following Wednesday’s hearing of the Governor’s Gaming Policy Committee, William Hill, in partnership with the Downtown Grand, has received approval from the Gaming Control Board to accept wagers on this weekend’s IEM Oakland eSports event featuring the video game League of Legends. This will be the first time wagering on eSports has been legally offered in the United States.

“This announcement is a major step toward ensuring Nevada becomes the e-sports capital of the world. By embracing this unique opportunity and incorporating innovation and technology into our gaming industry, we’re expanding the potential of one of our oldest industries,” said Governor Brian Sandoval. “Representatives from William Hill and Downtown Grand have been active partners with the Gaming Policy Committee as we examined e-sports wagering in the State of Nevada. I would like to congratulate them on this approval and commend both companies for their swift work and determination.”

“It has been an honor and a privilege to work closely with Chairman Burnett and the Governor’s Gaming Policy Committee to gain collective support for wagering on eSports. This has been an excellent example of a public/private partnership working together to create a new innovative way of gambling which will have a positive impact on State revenues,” said Seth Schorr, Chief Executive Officer of Fifth Street Gaming and Chairman of the Downtown Grand Casino. “We are proud that the Downtown Grand will be the home to the first regulated eSports wager in America. The team at the Downtown Grand has worked hard to establish itself as a truly unique eSports destination.”

We are excited to partner with Seth Schorr and the Downtown Grand to become the first sports book in America to offer legal wagering on eSports,” said William Hill U.S. Chief Executive Officer, Joe Asher. “A lot of work has gone into bringing eSports to the Nevada betting market and we thank the Governor and his Gaming Policy Committee, the Gaming Control Board and Seth for all of their efforts to keep Nevada at the forefront of the gaming industry. William Hill always tries to offer the most innovative and largest wagering menu and this reflects our commitment to innovation.”

Bettors at the William Hill Sports Book at the Downtown Grand will be able to wager on which of the six participating teams will win the League of Legends tournament being hosted on Saturday and Sunday at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California: Team SoloMid (+110), Longzhu (+160), Flash Wolves (4/1), Unicorns of Love (10/1), INTZ e-Sports (60/1), or The Chiefs Esports (100/1).

William Hill will also be offering matchup wagering on the two Saturday LoL tournament quarterfinals: INTZ e-Sports (+180) vs Unicorns of Love (-220) and The Chiefs Esports (+700) vs Longzhu (-1100).

About William Hill
William Hill currently operates 108 race and sports books in Nevada and the state’s leading mobile sports betting app and serves as the exclusive risk manager for the State of Delaware’s sports lottery. Founded in 1934, William Hill is the world’s leading bookmaker with 2,400 betting shops and operates one of the world’s leading online betting and gaming businesses.